Mesa Walkabout Megathread!

I just got a Mesa Walkabout and there's two things I'm curious about...

The Scout cabinet:
I'd like to know what your opinions are on it based on your experiences with it.

Preamp tubes:
Have you tried any alternative tubes from the stock ones?

I just ordered some real nice Telefunkens, and was also considering getting some others to play with, such as Mesa SP's, Electro-Harmonix (Demeter uses these, so they must be pretty nice), Mullard, etc.

I'm just trying to get feedback from folks who own these since I'm new to them (tho so far I'm lovin' it).

P.S. If you're feeling generous, tell me what kind of music you play and your favorite bass to use with this head.

Thanks!

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tragicmagic said:

I don't have the scout cabinet, just the walkabout head. I use it with an ampeg portabass 212 cabinet. I'm currently not playing bass in a band.

When I did, I used a G&L ASAT thinline, which is a telecaster shaped semi-hollow. It sounded thunderous and beautiful. The band I played with was mathy/melodic 3 piece. music was along the lines of unwound, fugazi, hot snakes.

I haven't had a chance to swap out the preamp tubes. I'm very curious so please let me know.

I now play guitar in june fool ( Link Removed ) which is a dark/psychadelic indie rock band. The bassist ocassionally plugs into my walkabout using an ampeg amb-1 shortscale bass. I much prefer the sound of the G&L though

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fullcircle said:

I actually don't have the Scout anymore. I have mixed feelings about selling it but you know how musicians are...

Anyway, it is a great amp but I feel like the Scout cab is limited. One thing you might consider is if you play with the amp on carpet,the downward facing speaker will get muffled,so I used to put a small piece of plywood under the amp if I was playing in a carpered room.

A Mesa 2x10 will really make that Walkabout head scream-much louder and punchier.At the time I had the amp,I was playing with a guitarist who worked for Mesa(Tim) and he who let me use a 2x10 with the head. Excellent sound.

If you're going to use an ext. cab in addition to the Scout cab,you may want to change to an 8 ohm speaker for the Scout cab,so paired with an 8 ohm ext. cab you'll get 4 ohms. A safe playing situation.

2 ohms might work the head too hard.

I only used Mesa tubes with it. Much of the different brands out there are just differently labeled tubes from the same factories in eastern europe,china,russia.

I personally thought it sounded just fine with the Mesa tubes and think high-end audiophile tubes are more of a guitarist thing(and kind of a waste of money IMO).

Hope that helps.Best of luck with it.

Tom

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tallboybass said:

I've only got the WalkAbout head, so I can't help you with the Scout cab. (wish I had one though) I've still got the stock tubes in it, but was thinking about trying others. Tom Bowlus has done some work in this area and has the results on his website. I'd like YOUR feedback after you've subbed out a few tubes.

I use the WalkAbout for a tubey sound, I've also got a GK 1001RB-II for a quicker, cleaner sound. I'm mainly using fretted & fretless Jazz basses, but the fretless really sounds awesome through the Mesa. I play rock, jazz, blues, r&b, rockabilly...about everything.

Alan

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Sharp said:

actually, i havnt tried any other tubes and i only have the head, not the scout cabinet. i play it through an aguilar gs112, and it sounds great. as far as basses go, ive got two i play through it, a warwick dolphin 5 and a P-bass with flats, it sounds good with both. sorry this isnt more helping-

pax-
-Tom

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JOME77 said:

I actually haven't tried the scout cabinet but I can certainly comment on the walkabout head. I really love the phat warm tone it produces. I also own a Thunderfunk TFB-420 and just recently finished putting together a Demeter 201S/QSC PLX 1602 rig. I really like the sound variation between the Mesa, Thunderfunk and the component rig. Lately, (the last 4-5 months) I've been using the Mesa Walkabout exclusively. It just sounds so huge and warm and is great for the Christian rock stuff that I've been playing lately. All of my playing over the past 20 years have been either contemporary Christian or in the church (praise and worship). The style of music I play at church varies from pop, rock, funk, jazz and even overtures with the church orchestra. From a musical standpoint, that's what I like so much about playing in the church. You're required to be able to play all styles of music.

As for changing out the tubes in the Walkabout, I swapped out the tubes once but could only find the Chinese tubes locally and really didn't notice much difference from the stock Groove tubes. I printed out a real nice summary of the attributes (sound wise) of the different 12AX7 tubes (from a TB thread) and plan on ordering some various tubes to experiment about some. Let me know what you find as you experiment around with different pre tubes.

As for basses, I'm pretty much exclusively Roscoe now. I have one 3006 and a 3005 on order (should be ready in a couple of weeks). The 6 has an Aggie OBP-3 pre and the 3005 will have the Demeter. Both have great sounds but are uniquely different sounding. I also have a Warmoth Gecko fretless that I put together that I really enjoy playing.

I've gotten real lazy in recent years so I leave my 2 SWR cabinets (Goliath III and Goliath Jr. III) at church so I don't have to lug them around. When I play out I use my Accugroove El Whappo Jr. cabinet.

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JOME77 said:

I previously owned a Mesa M-Pulse 600 and primarily sold it because at the time it was my only amp and it was quite boomy sounding in the main church sanctuary (I continually got in trouble with the sound guys). I replaced it with the Thunderfunk which is much easier to control. After a while though, I really missed that very LARGE Mesa sound so I picked up the Mesa Walkabout. I was, and still am, amazed at how loud the Walkabout is at 300 watts! The M-Pulse 600 really didn't produce much more CLEAN volume than my Walkabout. Quite a bang for the buck IMO.

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Benjamin Strange said:

I actually just sold my custom walkabout (for even more than what you can a new one for!). It was a great amp, but too loud for my downstairs neighbors.

I never tried any different tubes in there besides the original factory tubes. Honestly, I don't spend too much time agonizing over such things - I liked the amp the way it was, and that was good enough for me at the time. If I had a bunch of money and time to burn, I would look into these kinds of things, but I don't.

The Walkabout is LOUD. It was just about as loud as my full stack, which is pretty big. I did feel it was a bit too much on the polite side of things tone wise - I'm into the old school Boogie tone: tubes, EV speakers, et al. It also had too much low end for my tastes as well - I really had to be careful with the bass knob. Mostly I ran the amp fairly close to flat, and it sounded great that way.

I play a Strangeberger XM, with a maple body, Moses graphite neck, and two Rio Grande pitbull pickups (essentially two P pups). You can hear some sound samples of my stuff here: Link Removed

Benjamin

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Slater said:

I don't have the Scout cabinet. I only have the head, and I use it with two Aguilar GS112s. I've played a Walkabout Scout in a music store and thought it sounded very good, but that's all the experience I have with the Scout.

I really like the Walkabout head with the two Aggie 1x12s. The Aggie cabs are a little mid-shy, but the Walkabout can provide more than enough mids to make up for it. I'm playing with the gain at about 9:00 and the Master at about 2:00, and it's plenty loud with two guitars and drums.

As far as preamp tubes, I still have the stock tubes. In the back of my mind, I've considered trying some different tubes. The stock tubes seem to provide a sound that is a little "loose" to me, and I'd like to try and "tighten" that up. I'm not unhappy with the sound of the amp, but I think it could be slightly better. And, if I did make a tube change, I'm probably the only person that hears my playing that would notice the difference, so it hasn't been a priority for me...

Right now, my only bass is a MusicMan Bongo 4HH, which happens to be my favorite. I'm making some changes in my bass line-up. I recently sold a couple of Fenders, I currently have a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub on order, and I wouldn't mind having one of the new Fender Classic '50s P-Basses.

I play in a cover band that has a house band gig, and we play everything - Bluegrass, Country, Rock, Punk, Funk, you name it...
The versatility of the Bongo really helps in my situation, but I've done the same gig with a Fender P or Jazz (and the Walkabout/Aggie rig).

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peabody said:

First things first...Please keep in mind I am a very part-time player, so you'll have to take my thoughts with a grain of salt (or possible the whole salt shaker).

I knew the first time I played through a Walkabout Scout Combo (WS) I needed to have one. My experience with smaller combos is that they always crap out when I play a little harder. I hate that. I like a clean, distortion free sound with a lot of thump...and the Scout combo hit that perfectly. I wanted something that had that thump and something that I could transport easily. I had an Eden Metro for awhile, and while it had a nice sound (the WS still sounds better IMO), it weighed a ton.

I don't use the WS for big venues, although I suppose I could. I have a different rig for that. I normally using it for practicing with the rock band and I'll take it on the gigs I do when I'm doing jazz.

I have not tried the Walkabout head as a stand alone with my Aguilar cabs (I have two GS212's), even though I take the head along for a backup for my big gigs. People rave about the Walkabout head, but I really think the Scout cabinet is what makes my sound.

My story is I played in a band with a bunch of guys in high school and college (I'm 45 now). We decided to get back together for a reunion show about 6 years ago...we had so much fun, now we get together once or twice a year and do a gig or two. We do basic classic rock and classic country rock. During the rest of the year the three of us local guys do a jazz/acoustic thing.

When I play through the WS I'm using either a Sadowsky MV4, a Musicman Sterling or a Lakland Bob Glaub (with the jazz taper neck). I'm a 4 string kind of guy and I like narrow necks. To be honest, I think I like the sound of the Lakland the best for the rock and roll. I'm using a Sadowsky outboard pre-amp to boost the Glaub, and it has a nice sound. I'd probably say I like the Sadowsky best for the jazz stuff.

I have never tried any different tubes and I wouldn't even know where to begin if I decided to change. Besides, I like it the way it is.

Dave

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DMB said:

My Walkabout is only the head version. I use it with a GK Neo112 right now, but hope to upgrade that to a Schroeder, finances permitting. I have not used the Walkabout cabinet anywhere though, so sorry I cant help you with that. I have only had the head about a month, so I havent had a chance to do anything with the tubes in it yet. After reading Tom Bowlus' write up on different tubes with the Walkabout, Ive decided Im going to upgrade to JJ ECC83S when I have a few free bucks. Check out his blog and read about it. Very interesting stuff. He has a link in his signature.

Right now Im playing my Spector rebop through it, and with the bridge solo'd and a hint of bass boost onboard, the sound is so punchy, yet its still has got some nice depth to it. My bass never sounded this good through my old setup ( Ampeg SVP-CL into QSC RMX 850). And the EQ on it is so flexable, but Ive found this thing sings wonderfully with an almost completely flat EQ setting.

This weekend I have a Lakland 55-02 coming in from TB'er Poon, and Ive heard great things about the Lakland/Walkabout combo. Once that arrives, Ill either post up a small review in the bass forum, or send you a little review.

As far as type of music goes, I play for my contemporary church service, which the amp does very well in. I can get thickness, cut through and just sound god, with very few adjustments. My band is what I would call a contemporary rock style. Its a three piece with me, singer/songwriter/guitarist and our drummer. If you want to hear a couple songs we recorded a while ago you can check out the link at the end. The recordings' percussion was done with a Cajon (sp?) instead of drums, for a more acoustic feel. Mind you, the recordings were not done with the Walkabout, but with my recently departed Ampeg. Whenever we do a decent size show, our drummer uses a full set, but this will give you an idea of our sound. We should be doing some more recording soon, since we have connections to the vice pres of Dave Matthews recording label ( RCA Records maybe?) and are trying to get up a demo cd.

http://www.sitekreator.com/dmb/index.html

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Humblerumble said:

I have the Scout combo and the 1-12 extension cab. I love the sound of this amp for what I like. I play in a rock band and a church orchestra. I like a big round sound, kind of like Nathan East. I can get that sound with my Spector Euro 5. It sounds killer. I also have a Cirrus 5 and a P bass which all sound good thru this thing. I haven't tried any other tubes though. Let me know how they work out for you. I think Smash has a Walkabout and he tinkers with his stuff a lot and may have tried different tubes and such.

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tombowlus said:

I've heard the 12" Scout Combo, and I thought it sounded pretty good. Not too bright sounding, if you like sparkley highs, you won't really get it, but a good, solid somewhat vintage tone (with greater definition). It's a good combo, IMHO.

My Walkabout came with Mesa Boogie branded 12AX7's, which I believe were made by Electro Voice (it's hard to tell sometimes). I do have some EH tubes, and I think that they are some of the better modern tubes (though I slightly prefer JJ's). Still, I have found some preamps/amps that seem to do as well with EH's as with anything else (like the Aguilar DB 680). I don't recall actually using them in my Walkabout, though.

I have played a variety of music across the years, but lately it's been mostly rock (of all flavors). As for basses, lately I have been playing my pre-Gibson era Tobiases, my MTD's, and more than anything, my Skjold Custom 5. If I only take one bass to a gig or a practice, it's the Skjold. As much as I love Mike's basses, that Sjkold is just as clear, a bit more full/punchy through the mids, and has the tighest B-string I've heard. If I bring two, I take the Tobias Basic 5. It's a great rock-n-roll bass.

Tom.

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danhorne said:

I bought my Walkabout as the head only and paired it with a Aguilar GS-112. Although i have heard only good things about the Scout cabinet.

As to tubes, i Have only ever used the ones that came with it (not original, changed by previous owner) although i'm happy to check what they are since i can't quite remember.

Styles of music i play pretty much cover everything, some of the stuff i listen to the most include: Metallica, Jaco, Wooten, Gov't Mule, DMB, John Scofield, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Bela Fleck, Tower of Power, etc. So i'm pretty much all over the place, although for playing i prefer the jazz,fusion,funk areas compared to metal/rock.and i think the Walkabout will be able to handle anything, just fool around with it alot, don't be scared to fiddle.

...my only bass at the moment is a Cort B5 ...looking to pick up a Lakland JO5 soon.

Dan Horne

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The Eristic said:

I opted to go with just the head. Only the smaller of the two combos was available to me at the time, and while it sounded great w/ the 9V and passive basses at the store, I already had a Mesa 1x15", and I didn't think the 12" would handle the almost absurd punch of my green Roscoe's 18V preamp as well as a larger cab. I've played the 15" since, and for its size, it's beautiful, especially with "old school" and fretless basses. I would recommend pulling the head out and trying some other cabs, though.

Haven't tried any other tubes yet, but I'll eventually stick something different in there. As to what, I'm a big believer in JJ, as far as new tubes go.

Since I teach and do studio work, I play several genres regularly. I'm not heavy into slap or metal, though I have been known to break out a little occasionally. As far as my own music goes, I play country, jazz, blues/blues-rock, and classical guitar-style thumb + three solo chordal work. I usually use my two Roscoes, both LG-3005, one maple on Spanish Cedar w/ pao ferro board, the other maple on mahogany w/ maple board and the 18V preamp. I sometimes pull out my '80s basses, though, a Charvel Fusion IV and an Ibanez RD-707.

-Joseph

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BillisCool said:

I have the Scout 15" combo...

It blows away the SVT410HLF SVTIIIPro setup that I had previously, and It's SOOOOO much easier to carry.

It fills the room at lower volumes unlike anything I've ever had. Even outdoors! Something about how it's designed... it blows my mind. I get continuous compliments on my sound.

I use a J bass mostly, but I've also used an MIA P too... both sounded amazing. I've also plugged a stingray into it and it handled it like you wouldn't believe.

Here is a picture of me with my band... Yeah, I kept up with the volume at about 5, and the guitar player is using 3 amps.

http://www.geocities.com/siegleramplification/tebwater.jpg

I play blues mostly, and a bunch of modern rock... works great with either.

I changed the tubes to JJ's about a month after I got it. I prefer the warmth of the JJ's. Preamp tubes are totally a user preference though... so I'd say experiment and be happy!

Bill

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Tryxx said:

I played the Walkabout through the actual Scout Radiator for about 15 minutes total, I knew what I liked. Its quite different from the Epifani NYC 212 that I'm running it through now, there was much more attack, and it was generally just more agressive. I'm guessing you could attribute that to natural low mid tone, along with the regular sound of the Walkabout.

I haven't had the opportunity to change out the tubes yet, just been slightly busy, and I'd need to order them. I've heard good things about the Telefunken tubes also, though. There were a couple tube review threads though, I'd see if you could dig those up. Pretty good descriptions there.

I mainly use my Modulus Quantum 6 through the amp. It's got tons of clarity, and is naturally bright. The reason I got the Walkabout was for this bass, to sort of tame that tone. Nevertheless, it still has all the carbon fiber tendencies, just with a little edge. I'm using that mainly for a little Jazz fusion, and walking blues things. Alternative sort of rock too, where that cutting tone is needed. I've been pretty amazed though about how this head handles less than stellar pickups though, the way it makes my old ESP LTD-B204FM sound is great. I didn't know I could such a lively tone out of it. Aside from the Jazz and Blues things, I'm mainly a rock player in my offtime, and this head covers it all quite well, so it works.

-Tryxx

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tombowlus said:

...Let's here from particular cab combinations with the Walkabout that really seem synergistic.

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KJung said:

My only design comment is that I wish they would find a way to quiet the fan a little bit.... on the very soft jazz-type gigs on which I planned to use the amp, that fan was just loud enough to bother me a little bit. Not a big deal though.... very nice quality, sound and design.

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